Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - September 13, 2024 - The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) has announced a boycott of the Winnipeg Free Press over the publication of "insensitive images" of the assembly's late grand chief, Cathy Merrick.

The images, taken shortly before Merrick's death, showed a crowd of staff and supporters gathering around her lying on the ground.

The AMC, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, and several First Nations leaders sent multiple requests to remove the images, but the publication refused. The AMC said it will not give any interviews to the Free Press and will not be invited to any of its events.

The AMC has also asked that all chiefs and allies refuse interviews with the newspaper and encourage businesses to cancel subscriptions and advertisements with the outlet until further notice.

The AMC will uphold the boycott until a satisfactory response is received from the Winnipeg Free Press.

The Free Press has apologized for the image and has made changes to its online story, but has not removed it.

The AMC has also requested that all chiefs and allies refuse interviews with the newspaper and encourage businesses to cancel subscriptions and advertisements until further notice.